Best Fall Foliage in the Northeast

9/14/2017

Fall is a great season. Okay, it’s the best! How do you beat the comfy clothes, pumpkin spice lattes, hikes, and the gorgeous foliage that transforms the world? If you’re in doubt about the power of fall, check out the following spots that feature foliage in a class of their own:

New York
There’s lots of competition in this state. Depending on where you go, the breathtaking foliage combines with mountain ranges, lighthouses, or cityscapes. There are even ways to get into the foliage via train. In fact, the win goes to…foliage via rail! This way, you get to experience a diverse range of sights near and far.

New JerseyHigh Point State Park in Sussex is arguably the best place in New Jersey to take in the fall. Make it to the top of High Point on a clear day, and your reward is 80 miles of foliage in three states.

Virginia
This state brims with opportunities for viewing top-notch leaves. The Peaks of Otter stand out among them because if hiking is your thing, you can hike to the top of Sharp Top (and other nearby peaks). But if you’d rather relax instead of hike, a bus takes you to the top and back down. Want the best of both worlds? You can hike back down.

Massachusetts
It’s time to move to the coast, and boy, does Massachusetts offer splendid coastal views in the fall. Discover (or rediscover) towns such as Essex and Gloucester and pair your trip with art galleries, beach walks, or taking in animal life.

Maryland
This post has touched on ways to appreciate the foliage through driving and hiking as well as via a train or bus. Now it’s time to get out the bicycle, or if you prefer to again, your hiking shoes. The 184.5 miles of the C&O Canal run in DC and Maryland, affording residents of the area some of the best fall foliage views around. See the trees in startling, up-close detail and enjoy the unique smells that fall offers.

Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has its version of the Grand Canyon, and it’s called the Pine Creek Gorge. It features second-growth trees and a deep, long valley. You can access it from either Colton Point State Park or Leonard Harrison State Park. A drive along Pennsylvania Route 6 corridor also gets you prime front-row viewing.

Really, though, you can’t go wrong with fall foliage and the Northeast. No matter where you are, lovely views are everywhere.